With uncertainties over whether the capital gains tax will rise, many are rushing to close deals before the end of the year and pocket gains at the current tax rate. Add private-equity firm KKR to the club.

KKR’s Co-Chairman, Co-CEO Henry Kravis says at the Goldman Sachs Financial Services Conference that the firm is “seeing right now a lot of people saying if you want to buy my company you have to close it by December 31st.”

After all, the tax may go to as high as 23.8% from the current 15% if a deal isn’t reached on the fiscal cliff.

On the cliff itself, Kravis said the people in Washington have “got to solve the problem,” adding they should “quit acting like youngsters and let’s do which is right for the country.” Read More »